The Calgary Flames gave it their signature third period effort but couldn’t mount another comeback against the Vancouver Canucks, losing 3-1.

It’s a Team Game – The Canucks are still a very hardworking team with a fantastic power play. Ever since Tocchet got to Vancouver that has been their makeup. Calgary was on a back-to-back and looked like it during the second period. They found their second wind in the third period and really put the attack down trying to tie it up again. Special teams remain an issue as the penalty kill continues to struggle – giving a team as good as Vancouver fresh ice for one was unfortunate as well. Good effort overall from the Flames – just can’t win them all.

Corsi King – Top of the charts was MacKenzie Weegar (74.89 CF%) who did not get subjected to long stretches in his own zone. He’s as solid as they come, but the partner in Miromanov (66.02 per cent) is nothing like what we saw to end last year. His overall defensive game has improved drastically, and it has come at the cost of his offensive output. He’s not really finding any space to help in the offensive zone, but he is prioritizing the defence part of defenceman fairly well. Up front the fourth line did what they could in limited minutes. Ryan Lomberg (52.43 per cent) is such an asset for keeping the energy level up – much needed in today’s match.

Taken By Chance – Mikael Backlund (51.06 SCF% || 100 HDCF%) was out there for a goal against but it wasn’t from any shots close to the net. He remains as consistent as they come. Justin Kirkland (43.91 per cent || 100 per cent) continues to show the world he belongs with another strong game. Kirkland became the missing piece they needed – someone who can fill in at C and if they want to give him a game off to play Klapka you aren’t hurting his development. Although, I don’t think coach Huska has any intentions of keeping him and his great play on the bench.

xGF% – One of the biggest reason the Flames remain competitive as we approach the quarter mark for the season is they have two great defencemen constantly leading their pairs to some form of success. MacKenzie Weegar (60.21 per cent) and Rasmus Andersson (56.49 per cent) both jump into the play, activate off the blueline, get back to cover if they do get caught. They pretty much do everything they are asked of – its allowed the Kevin Bahl’s (44.40 per cent) to emerge naturally and also find ways to thrive.

In The Crease – I quite liked Dan Vladar’s performance in this match. I thought he was strong and agile and ready to attack the puck. The Canucks gave him a good 5v5 test with 2.26 expected goals against. Neither of the 5v5 goals were classified as high danger, but the overall body of work was solid. This continues to be a breakthrough year for Vladar early – which is a great sign for the young goaltender. It also coincides with his UFA year so I can not wait to see how this plays out.